Are you looking for a fully funded opportunity to study in China in 2026? Tarim University (ćĄéæšć€§ćŠ), located in Xinjiang, China, has officially opened its doors to international students for the 2026 academic year, offering a generous scholarship that covers virtually all your expenses. Whether you are planning to pursue a Master’s degree or a PhD, this scholarship could be your gateway to high-quality education in one of China’s most unique and historically rich regions.
This opportunity is especially valuable for students from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and other developing nations looking to build academic and professional ties with China under the Belt and Road Initiative. Applications are open now and the deadline is May 1, 2026 â so don’t wait!
For more scholarship opportunities around the world, check out our full Scholarships category on Gradualin, and explore our guides on Fully Funded Scholarships in China and Asia for 2026 and Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UK 2026.
đ Scholarship Overview
Tarim University was established in October 1958 and is jointly administered by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) and China’s Ministry of Education. It is a comprehensive research university with particular strength in agricultural sciences and life sciences, and offers programs across agriculture, engineering, medicine, law, arts, management, economics, history, and education.
The university currently has over 34,000 students, more than 1,800 faculty members, 21 colleges, and 94 undergraduate programs. At the postgraduate level, it offers 3 doctoral programs and 32 master’s programs. Tarim University has active academic partnerships with more than 60 universities and research institutions across 10+ countries, including the USA, Russia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan.
In 2024, the university successfully enrolled its first international postgraduate and doctoral students from Pakistan and Kazakhstan â and in 2026, it is expanding this initiative further by inviting students from across the globe.
đ Scholarship Benefits / Funding
International students admitted under the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) Government Scholarship will receive a comprehensive financial package that includes:
- â Full tuition fee waiver â no tuition costs for the entire program
- â Free on-campus accommodation â housing is fully covered
- â Monthly living stipend â to cover daily personal expenses
- â Health/medical insurance â fully covered by the university throughout your studies
This makes it a fully funded scholarship in the true sense â covering all major costs so you can focus on your studies, research, and personal growth.
đ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Tarim University International Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Nationality: Must be a non-Chinese citizen holding a valid foreign passport
- Character: Good moral standing, no criminal record, and willingness to comply with Chinese laws and university regulations
- Degree requirement for Master’s: Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and must be under 35 years of age
- Degree requirement for PhD: Must hold a master’s degree or higher, and must be under 40 years of age
- Health: Must be in good physical and mental health, confirmed by the standard Foreign Physical Examination Form
- Language: Applicants for English-taught programs must provide IELTS or TOEFL scores, or proof that their previous degree was taught in English. Preference is given to applicants with an HSK certificate (Chinese language proficiency)
- No double scholarship: Applicants must not be receiving any other Chinese government or institutional scholarship simultaneously
đ Who Should Apply
This scholarship is an excellent fit for:
- Students from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, South Asia, and Africa seeking fully funded postgraduate education in China
- Graduates in agriculture, life sciences, engineering, medicine, management, economics, law, arts, or humanities
- Students interested in China-focused research within the Belt and Road region
- Applicants who want a less competitive but high-quality fully funded scholarship in China
- Those looking to study in a multicultural, bilingual environment in Xinjiang
Who may not be eligible:
- Chinese citizens (including Chinese nationals holding foreign passports after April 30, 2021, with certain exceptions)
- Anyone already receiving another Chinese government scholarship
- Applicants who do not meet the age or educational requirements above
đ Available Programs
Tarim University offers international students admission at two postgraduate levels:
Master’s Programs (çĄćŁ«ç 究ç): Available across 32 disciplines including agricultural sciences, life sciences, engineering, management, economics, law, medicine, and humanities. Duration is typically 2â3 years.
PhD Programs (ć棫ç 究ç): Available across 3 doctoral disciplines with a research focus on areas tied to Xinjiang’s agricultural and environmental challenges. Duration is typically 3â4 years.
The language of instruction for international programs is English, with Chinese-medium options also available for students with sufficient HSK proficiency.
For the specific list of available programs and supervisors, download the official brochure from the Tarim University International Affairs Office website.
đ Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents to the university’s online portal:
- Application Form for International Students (in Chinese or English, with handwritten signature)
- Personal Resume / CV â covering educational background, research experience, work history, skills, and achievements
- First page of valid passport (clear scanned copy)
- Notarized highest academic degree certificate (with certified English translation if not in Chinese or English)
- Academic transcripts from undergraduate level onward, up to the most recent semester (issued and stamped by your institution)
- Study Plan for pursuing education in China â minimum 1,000 words, including personal statement, research goals, and post-graduation plans (in Chinese or English)
- Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors (in Chinese or English, with signatures and contact details)
- Language proficiency certificate â IELTS/TOEFL for English programs; HSK for Chinese programs (preferred)
- Photocopy of the Physical Examination Form for Foreigners (issued by a certified health authority, must be within 6 months of the application deadline)
- Non-criminal record certificate (issued by local police/public security, within 6 months of the deadline)
- ID photo (2-inch, blue background, digital copy)
- Self-introduction video (2â3 minutes, in Chinese or English)
- Copies of research publications or academic achievements (if available)
- Award certificates or internship documents (if available)
- Employment certificate (if currently working, with employer’s signature and official seal)
- Residence permit page and in-school performance certificate (for applicants currently studying in China only)
đ Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the Tarim University International Scholarship 2026:
Step 1 â Register Online Visit the Tarim University International Student Service Platform: https://taru.at0086.cn/student and create your personal account.
Step 2 â Complete Your Application Fill out all required sections carefully in Chinese or English and upload all supporting documents.
Step 3 â Submit Before the Deadline All materials must be submitted online by May 1, 2026. Incomplete or incorrectly filled applications will be considered invalid.
Step 4 â Document Review From May to mid-June 2026, the university will review your application alongside relevant colleges and faculty experts.
Step 5 â Interview Shortlisted applicants will be notified by email to attend an interview (conducted online or in-person).
Step 6 â Admission Decision Final results will be announced in July 2026. Accepted students will receive an official Admission Notice and must register at the university on the specified dates.
đ Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Portal Opens | January 2026 (already open) |
| Application Deadline | May 1, 2026 |
| Document Review Period | May â Mid-June 2026 |
| Interview Notifications Sent | June 2026 |
| Final Admission Results | July 2026 |
| Program Start | September 2026 |
đ Why Study at Tarim University?
Here are some compelling reasons why this opportunity stands out:
- Fully funded â no financial burden on scholars
- Less competitive than other China scholarships, making acceptance more accessible
- Located in Xinjiang â one of China’s most culturally diverse and strategically important regions, sitting at the heart of the ancient Silk Road
- Strong focus on agriculture, life sciences, and environmental research â highly relevant for students from developing agricultural economies
- Growing international reputation with partnerships in 10+ countries
- A campus environment with students from multiple nationalities, fostering a multicultural experience
- Excellent opportunity for those interested in China-Central Asia research corridors and Belt and Road academic initiatives
- University offers VR campus tours and a fully digital student services system
đ Official Source & Contact
To apply or get more information, visit the official International Affairs page: đ Tarim University International Students Portal đ Official Recruitment Brochure â Tarim University
Contact the Foreign Exchange & Cooperation Department: đ No. 705 Hongqiao South Road, Alaer City, Xinjiang, China â Postcode: 843300 đ +86-997-4682539 đ§ tddwjlhzc@163.com / wsc@taru.edu.cn đ www.taru.edu.cn
đ Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| University | Tarim University (ćĄéæšć€§ćŠ) |
| Location | Alaer City, Xinjiang, China |
| Scholarship Name | XPCC Government Scholarship for International Students |
| Program Level | Master’s & PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Nationalities | All non-Chinese citizens |
| Age Limit | Under 35 (Masters) / Under 40 (PhD) |
| Language | English / Chinese (HSK preferred) |
| Application Deadline | May 1, 2026 |
| Program Start | September 2026 |
| Application Portal | taru.at0086.cn/student |
